Coker says Ianno likely won’t travel to New Mexico State

UTSA coach Larry Coker said Wednesday morning that kicker Sean Ianno likely won’t travel to New Mexico State for the program’s first game in the Western Athletic Conference.

Ianno has been limited since last week with a pull in the hip area of his right (kicking) leg.

He kicked one extra point and kicked off in the opening minutes of last week’s home game against Northwestern Oklahoma.

But then he came out and didn’t return.

Ianno hasn’t been in pads at practice either Tuesday or Wednesday this week.

Kristian Stern, a sophomore from Alamo Heights, likely will handle the kicking chores when the Roadrunners tee it up against the Aggies Saturday night in Las Cruces, N.M.

Coker acknowledged Ianno’s status as a difference-maker, especially at the end of close games.

“He’s won two games in the fourth quarter since he’s been here,” Coker said. “And the hang time on his kickoffs has been fantastic. That does hurt. But again, that’s the nature of sport. A guy’s out. Another one has an opportunity. You have to do your job.”

Thus far, the Roadrunners (4-0) have fared well under adversity.

UTSA won at South Alabama when cornerback Erik Brown missed the game with a shoulder injury.

“I don’t know that we have many great players,” Coker said. “There’s not Barry Sanders. If he’s out then you’re out of business. I think we have a lot of good players. With a good player down, let’s get another good player and fill in the blanks.”

UTSA is also expected to be without starting defensive end Cody Rogers, backup running back Brandon Armstrong and reserve linebacker Brandon Guerrero.